Tetomo – Bara Recipe
Make Tetomo – Bara Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Chicken & Marinade
Tomato-sauce Layer
Starch Layer
Bara (crumb & cheese topping)
Garnish & Finish
Method
Chicken & Marinade
Marinate chicken
In a large bowl combine yogurt, minced garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper and lemon juice. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
Tomato-sauce Layer
Cook aromatics
Heat 2 tbs olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced bell pepper and cook, stirring, until softened and translucent, about 6–8 minutes.
Build sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, ground turmeric, ground cumin, harissa or chili paste (if using), honey, 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 12–15 minutes to thicken slightly.
Adjust seasoning
Taste and adjust salt, heat or sweetness as needed. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Chicken — finish
Brown marinated chicken
While the sauce simmers, heat a separate large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle (about 1 tbs) of oil. Working in batches if necessary, add marinated chicken pieces (shake off excess marinade) and sear until golden on the outside but not fully cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer seared pieces to a plate.
Simmer chicken in sauce
Add the seared chicken pieces into the tomato sauce, stir to coat, and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 74°C / 165°F). If sauce thickens too much, add 2–4 tbs water or stock.
Starch Layer
Prepare rice
If not already cooked, prepare rice per package instructions and fluff. Stir in 2 tbs butter, 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch of black pepper. Keep warm.
Bara (crumb & cheese topping)
Make crumb topping
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). In a bowl combine panko breadcrumbs, grated cheddar, grated parmesan, dried oregano, lemon zest (if using), salt and pepper. Drizzle 3 tbs olive oil or melted butter over the mixture and toss until crumbs are evenly moistened and the blend holds together when pressed.
Assemble & Bake
Layer casserole
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Spread the buttered rice evenly across the bottom as the base layer. Spoon the tomato-chipotle chicken mixture over the rice and spread into an even layer.
Top with bara
Evenly sprinkle the crumb & cheese mixture over the chicken layer, pressing lightly so it adheres.
Bake
Place the dish in the preheated 200°C (400°F) oven and bake 15–18 minutes, until topping is golden and cheese is melted and bubbling. For an extra-crispy top, broil 1–2 minutes while watching carefully to avoid burning.